National School Lunch Hero Day is May 1, 2026.

To celebrate the occasion, we invited School Lunch Heroes from across the country to submit their best recipes. Here are some of our favorites.

Drumroll, Please…

BREAKFAST CHAMPION

SUNRISE POCKET

USING #16206 HAWAIIAN ROLLS

Give students an A+ start to the school day, wrapped and ready to go! This recipe uses soft Rich’s Hawaiian Rolls to hold savory breakfast fillings in a handheld format that fits right into busy morning service. 

🏆 Demarcos Blow – Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA 

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MEATLESS MASTER

VEGETARIAN MEATBALL SUB

USING #22260 NO PROOF MINI SUB ROLL DOUGH

Here’s a meatless option that feels anything but! A hearty vegetarian meatball blend and freshly baked Rich’s Mini Sub Rolls come together to create a lunch entree that checks all the boxes for comfort, flavor and convenience. 

🏆 Amy Reade – Hamilton Southeastern School District, IN 

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MVPIZZA

COWBOY STAR PIZZA

USING #21973 6” FRESH ‘N READY DOUGH

There’s a new pizza in town. Eye-catching presentation, familiar ingredients and Rich’s Fresh N Ready Dough make this a fun, student-friendly twist on a classic pepperoni pizza that’s easy to serve and hard for kids to pass up. 

🏆 Anthony Brasberger – Coppell ISD, TX 

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WORLD WONDER

THAI BEEF FLATBREAD

USING #25340 WG FLATBREAD

This Thai-inspired lunch using WG Flatbread is a great opportunity to bring global flavors to your menu without overcomplicating prep work. No need to travel far—students can simply pick it up and enjoy! 

🏆 Vickie Coffey – Richland Bean Blossom Edgewood Schools, IN 

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INNOVATION WARRIOR

CHEESY MAC BITE RANCH BAKE

USING #23400 CHEESY MAC BITES

A creative take on a lunchtime favorite. Rich’s Cheesy Mac Bites are combined with fajita chicken, tomatoes and ranch to make a one-pan baked dish that looks familiar at first glance…until you take a bite! 

🏆 Ashley Robbins – East Central ISD, TX 

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HONORABLE MENTIONS

WE’RE COOKING UP THE WINNING RECIPES

Watch our latest webinar, Rich’s Lunchtime Live: School Lunch Hero Challenge, on Rich’s Academy. Earn 1 CEU upon completion of the webinar. Chef Carol Valencic will walk through each of our School Lunch Hero Challenge winning recipes step-by-step—sharing tips and tricks you can bring right back to your kitchen.

Watch Now!

SEE YOU IN CHARLOTTE FOR ANC!

We’re looking forward to connecting with School Lunch Heroes from across the country at SNA’s Annual National Conference this July. Stop by Booth 2913 to see these winning recipes in action and swap ideas with the team! 

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